The Top Lake Towns in Michigan Perfect for a Weekend Getaway, As Recommended by Travelers

Michigan might be one of the most underrated destinations in America. With Lake Superior stretched across its northern border, Lake Huron curled around its easternmost shore, and Lake Michigan to the west, the Mitten State boasts some of the country’s best access to the Great Lakes. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Michigan is also home to 62,798 inland lakes, according to the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association. This means that about 1.3% of the state is covered in fresh water — and some stunning spots to go hiking, swimming, or even water skiing.

As avid travelers ourselves, we have spent a lot of time exploring Michigan in all of its lake-filled glory. Over the years, we have driven through the state many times, exploring everything from the misty shores of Lake Superior to the gorgeous sand dunes downstate. Although there are many Michigan lake towns to choose from, we have found certain Michigan destinations way more charming than others. After comparing our notes to the experiences of other travelers on sites like Google and Tripadvisor, we realized that many of our personal favorites also appeal to people from all across the United States. From the quaint beauty of Harbor Springs to the rustic charm of Paradise, Michigan offers tons of hidden spots that are perfect for a lakeside weekend getaway. 

In the movies, it’s not uncommon to see one character whisk the other away for a spontaneous weekend in Europe. In real life, though, the high prices of last-minute airfare make this sort of romantic getaway totally impossible. Enter Holland, Michigan. Located about two and a half hours away from both Chicago and Detroit, this charming town makes European-style architecture accessible for weekend travelers. With its picturesque tulip fields and signature windmill, Holland is brimming with old-world charm. That being said, the town’s location on the shores of Lake Macatawa allows visitors to experience Holland while enjoying lakeside joys that are pure Michigan. 

To enjoy your trip to Holland to the fullest, start out at Windmill Island Gardens. Observe the flowers, soak up the traditional Dutch architecture, and learn a thing or two about the history of the region. Previous visitors rave about the park’s unique aesthetic. As one traveler put it on Tripadvisor, “Although I’ve never been to Holland, if this is what it’s like, then sign me up! Folks, to say, this park is simply beautiful, would be … an understatement … It’s an experience that you would not forget as long as you live!”

Afterward, head to Kollen Park for a relaxing stroll on Lake Macatawa. Alternatively, adventurous travelers might consider renting a boat. Zip across the lake on a jet ski or even try inner tubing. There may be no better way to blend European allure with all-American fun.  

Anyone planning a road trip through the Midwest should make a weekend stop in Grand Marais, Michigan. This relaxing lakeside destination offers visitors the perfect blend of natural scenery and outdoor activities. Located on the wild shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais offers huge stretches of natural beaches. While some travelers will surely want to curl up on a lounge chair and watch the waves come and go, others will be overjoyed with the quantity of lakeside trails. Hikers will be particularly thrilled to swing by the pristine Sable Beach, which can be accessed via a forest trail. Meander through the trees, trek to the scenic Sable Falls, then enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the water. This beachside destination provides the perfect combination of sightseeing, exercise, and beachside tranquility. 

Previous visitors to Grand Marais say that the walk to Sable Beach is worth every single step. As one former traveler wrote on Google reviews, “If you can make the stairs, it’s worth it to check out the falls and look for rocks on the beach. It’s a short hike. We found some little Petoskey’s [Petoskey stones] and a lot of other pretty ones!” Folks looking for a more vigorous beach walk, meanwhile, might consider heading out to the Grand Sable Dunes. Per one previous traveler, this moderate hike is incredibly rewarding. Writing on Google reviews, they summed things up in three phrases, “Amazing view! Worth the effort. Kids had a blast on this trail.”

Adventuring as a family is not always easy. Dealing with the stress of traveling with kids can be challenging, and choosing the right destination for a family-friendly getaway can sometimes feel impossible. Luckily, Ossineke, Michigan, is a crowd-pleaser that might just keep folks of all generations entertained. The local Beebee Beach is a hidden gem that offers tons of space for children to just be themselves. Far away from bars, restaurants, and cabanas, this beach is the perfect place for little ones to splash in Lake Huron and run across the sand without feeling constrained by crowds of disapproving onlookers. As one parent wrote on Google, Beebee is “nice, clean, [and] family friendly. Has a private beach feeling, depending on the time of day you go.”

The lakeshore is not the only family-friendly attraction in Ossineke. The town’s ever-popular Dinosaur Gardens also provides a unique hike in the woods — where enormous dinosaur-themed sculptures abound. Here, adults can soak up the beauty of nature while their kids run from one sculpture to the next. Plus, no trip to Ossineke is complete without a stop at local legend Connie’s Café. Founded in 1980, this eatery is considered a regional favorite thanks to its incredible cinnamon rolls. Describing the café on Tripadvisor, one previous traveler explained, “Their HUGE Cinnamon rolls were voted the best on the sunrise side of Michigan … we got the Pecan one and WOW … a wonderful experience.” 

There aren’t many small towns in America where you can visit three lakes rather than just one, but the northern Michigan town of Elk Rapids offers visitors just that. Located between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, this town is practically swimming in waterfront activities. Art lovers will adore wandering through Art Sculpture Park, which looks out onto Lake Michigan. Outdoors enthusiasts, meanwhile, will be thrilled to set up camp on the shores of Bass Lake — where they can enjoy fishing, stand-up paddling, and kayaking. Elk Rapids Marina also provides boat rentals for anyone who wants to cruise on Elk Lake. Wake surfing equipment is also available for the adventurous traveler willing to give it a go.

Although Elk Rapids is certainly a hotspot for water sports, some travelers will be surprised to discover that it’s also a paradise for drink aficionados. The town boasts a hip modern distillery called Ethanology Distillation, as well as a winery — Bos Wine — that provides tastings and charcuterie. Brew lovers will be happy to know that Short’s Brewing also runs a summer beer garden and a wintertime beer barn, where you can try some of their best creations. During the warmer months, Short’s invites food trucks to set up around their facilities, creating a fun environment. As one previous visitor wrote on Google, “Always the absolute best time. Perfect for families.”

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your vacation traveling back in time, Mackinac Island might be the spot for you. Standing where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet, this popular midwest summer destination is brimming with historic elements. Buildings range from 18th-century French colonial-style houses to 19th-century Gothic Revival cottages. Horse-drawn carriages fill the streets thanks to a 125-year-old motor vehicle ban. And the old-fashioned Fort Mackinac presides over it all.

While Mackinac Island is certainly a history lover’s paradise, it’s also the perfect place for beachgoers to indulge in some lakeside lounging. The pebbled beach at British Landing is the ideal spot for travelers to unfold their lounge chairs, open a book, and watch the ferry boats cruise by. Amateur geologists will love parsing through droves of smooth rocks in search of fossils or even ever-elusive Petoskey stones. Kids, meanwhile, will likely prefer using the rocks to build towers or practice their skipping skills.

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy the Great Lakes other than just enjoying the beach. Mackinac Island offers a network of lakeside hiking and biking trails that abound with water views. Perhaps the most famous viewpoint is Arch Rock, which allows visitors to peer out onto Lake Huron from beneath a unique limestone arch.

Learning about the Great Lakes is one thing, but experiencing them is a whole different story. In the town of Alpena, Michigan, visitors can do both. The town is home to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center — a fantastic 10,000-square-foot building dedicated to teaching visitors about the history of Lake Huron. The exhibits are highly interactive, with one display simulating the intensity of dangerous lake storms and another focusing on SCUBA diving. Previous visitors enjoyed the lessons on fauna, as well. One Tripadvisor reviewer shared, “Great video presentation. Saw live Lampreys and heard how this [invasive] species affects local fish. Museum is interesting, especially the wreck.”

Although diving into the history of the Great Lakes is certainly interesting, many learners find that seeing is believing. Because of this, we highly recommend signing up for one of the museum’s glass-bottom boat tours. Offered from late spring to early fall, these outings will take you onto Lake Huron and show you the remains of real-life shipwrecks. Travelers say this tour is a great way to learn about Alpena’s complicated past. One Google reviewer wrote of her experience, “We were able to see two [of the three shipwrecks] and it was AMAZING! The three captains were great at explaining everything and telling the tales of these shipwrecks.” All in all, Alpena offers one of the most unique ways to experience Michigan’s iconic lakes.

Glen Arbor, Michigan, is a small town with a prime location. To its north lies Lake Michigan and its stunning turquoise waters, while the more tranquil Glen Lake lies to the south. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeside sits just a few miles to the west, and the Palmer Woods Forest Reserve stands a 10-minute drive to the east. This unique geographic situation means that visitors to Glen Arbor can take advantage of Michigan at its very best.

Spend the first day of your trip hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes and absorbing incomparable views of Lake Michigan. Later, head over to the forest reserve for a peaceful afternoon among the trees. Once you’ve explored the area on foot, you might want to round out your getaway with an afternoon on Glen Lake. Although the most tireless travelers may find the energy to rent jet skis from the local marina, folks who are more low-key may prefer to sunbathe in a pontoon.

Naturally, no trip to Glen Arbor is complete without a trip to Glen Haven Beach. There, travelers will find peace and tranquility as they lay out in the sand. Writing on Google, one past visitor applauded this beach for its incomparable scenery: “One of the best blue water beaches in Michigan, and a little bit of a hidden gem too. The beach is very large and sits in a cove like area near the historic Glen Haven town.”

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is perhaps most famous for its legendary snowmobiling and trekking. However, during the summertime, it’s a beach lover’s paradise. Perhaps no town understands this truth better than Paradise, Michigan. Nestled on the coast of Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, this small town embraces all things rustic — and encourages visitors to do the same. Rent one of Paradise’s many lakeside cabins and soak up the water views over your cup of morning joe. Try your hand at fishing, go for a walk at Lake Superior Scenic Point, or simply contemplate the morning mist rising over the water. This town is the ideal place to slow down and connect with nature.

Hiking in the area is also spectacular, thanks to the proximity of the incredible U.S. State Park, Tahquamenon Falls. This phenomenal destination allows visitors to view two gorgeous waterfalls — and even hike the length of the river that flows between them. Previous visitors to the region say that this park is unforgettable. One traveler gushed about Tahquamenon on Google, writing, “Took to the trails and hiked out to the Lower Falls Island. Breathtaking! My new favorite place to hike and relax.”

When it comes to searching for the most beautiful lakes in the Midwest, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. With so many options in Michigan alone, folks may find it difficult to choose a destination for their weekend getaway. And, as many options in northern Michigan require extra planning, it might be tempting to choose an ultra-accessible spot instead. Lake Michigan Beach is a small coastal town on the shore of Lake Michigan. The town’s draw is its relative accessibility to big cities. Located less than two hours from Chicago, three hours from Detroit or Indianapolis, and two and a half hours from Fort Wayne, Lake Michigan Beach is the perfect place for a quick overnight escape.

Despite its accessible location, Lake Michigan Beach is not particularly overrun with city folks. Writing on Google reviews, one former visitor noted, “Nice small public beach on Lake Michigan. Tons of parking available with a 3 minute sandy walk to the beach … Went on a Friday and had maybe 10 other parties come and go over several hours.” Another added that the town was something of a hidden gem. “Beautiful views, way less people traffic than other shoreline locations in St.Joe. Hubby has been visiting St. Joe his whole life and had no clue about this area,” they wrote. Overall, Lake Michigan Beach is the perfect place to go if you need a quick getaway from the chaos of big-city living.

As major fans of Michigan’s shoreline, we were excited to compile this list of the state’s best lakeside locations. That being said, it was not always easy to limit our choices to just 10 spots. To make our selections, we tried to shed light on destinations that offer different types of activities. While Grand Marais and Paradise allow visitors to explore the rustic wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, Elk Rapids and Glen Arbor offer more upscale experiences like boat rentals. Mackinac Island and Alpena, meanwhile, stood out for their fantastic educational experiences. Ossineke was chosen for being especially family-friendly.

Of course, we tried to include a couple of places that are particularly close to major cities. Both Lake Michigan Beach and Holland are a stone’s throw away from urban areas like Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis. These destinations don’t just make for an easier weekend trip but are also close enough to these big cities that visitors can even go there for just a day.

Although we were confident in our choices, we didn’t want our selection to be too subjective. Because of this, we were sure to consult traveler reviews before finalizing our recommendations. This process allowed us to exclude places that didn’t generate broad general appeal. The destinations on our list have earned the stamp of approval of many happy travelers.